May 2025 Archive — Practical Pharma Guides

This month we challenged common assumptions: an antidepressant many start without full facts, what to do when amoxicillin fails, a surprising Alzheimer–stroke connection, and whether the old herb tansy is actually safe. Each piece gives clear, usable steps — no fluff.

Top reads and quick takeaways

Celexa (citalopram): clear answers. If you or someone you care for is starting Celexa, the article breaks down how it works, likely benefits, and the side effects that matter most. Key points: start low and be patient — antidepressants take weeks to change mood; older adults usually have lower max doses because Celexa can affect heart rhythm at higher levels; watch for serotonin syndrome when combining with other serotonergic drugs; and common early effects include nausea and sleep changes that usually ease. Practical tip: track your mood and side effects in a simple daily log and share it with your prescriber at follow-ups.

Best safe alternatives to amoxicillin. When amoxicillin isn’t working or causes problems, you don’t have to guess the next move. The guide explains common reasons to switch — allergy, resistance, or bad side effects — and lists reasonable alternatives (for example, amoxicillin-clavulanate, certain cephalosporins, doxycycline, or macrolides depending on the bug and allergy status). It stresses getting a culture or sensitivity when possible, avoiding broad switches that drive resistance, and asking your clinician about local resistance patterns. Practical tip: if you’re allergic to penicillin, tell your provider the exact reaction (rash vs. anaphylaxis) so they can pick a safe substitute.

Alzheimer’s disease and stroke — the hidden link. The post explains how vascular damage and tiny strokes raise dementia risk and how the two conditions often overlap. It gives clear actions: control blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, manage blood sugar, stop smoking, and prioritize regular activity and a Mediterranean-style diet. Small, steady changes here lower both stroke and dementia risks. Practical tip: bring your blood pressure and A1C numbers to appointments and ask how each affects long-term brain health.

Tansy — dosage, risks, and toxicity. Tansy is an old herb people still talk about, but it’s not harmless. The article explains the main concern — compounds like thujone can cause nausea, liver stress, and even seizures in high doses. There’s no standard safe dose for medicinal use, so the piece recommends avoiding concentrated extracts, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on other meds that strain the liver. Practical tip: if you’re curious about an herb, ask your pharmacist about interactions and start by discussing it with your clinician before trying it.

Each May post aims to help you make smarter, safer choices about meds and health. If one topic matters to you, bookmark it or save the short checklist from the article so you have clear steps when you need them.